Invasive species wreak havoc on Guam's ecosystem

Studies show they're the second biggest cause of extinctions. And here at home, we're seeing the impacts of invasive species full throttle. They're killing off our island's birds, trees, and we could soon see even greater environmental impacts.

The coconut rhinoceros beetle, the brown tree snake, the little fire ant, and feral pigs. What do they all have in common? They're wreaking havoc on Guam's ecosystem.

"Invasive species are, for example, the coconut rhinoceros beetle, the little fire ants. And other pest that actually impact our economy, our crops, our livelihood, our public health," said Matt Sablan, director of the Department of Agriculture. And keeping other invasive species out of Guam's borders continues to be top priority for the agency's Biosecurity Division. According to Sablan, the division inspects all incoming plant and animal cargo.

"The Biosecurity Division was actually through Public Law 31-43. And it was passed back in 2011. What it does is it mandates for our division to combat invasive species coming into our island. It mandates for staffing of an entomologist and invasive species coordinator and administrative positions," he said.

The hope is to continue to grow the division as the law also provides for an invasive species fund. According to Sablan, all cargo coming into Guam's borders are taxed $0.75 per ton. "We're hoping that with the revenues generated from the Invasive Species Fund to actually with those revenues to start hiring to increase our manpower to that division," he confirmed.

As recent as this month, they responded to a report of a black widow spider along the Okkodo pipeline. The report was called into the division by a truck driver who noticed the venomous spider. As we reported, a biosecurity team was deployed to the site and fortunately no other spiders were discovered.

Sablan says this should be an example for other residents to be cognizant of invasive species, adding, "When you do identify and you're not sure what the species is, give us a call."

In CHamoru, a young island resident proudly introduces himself. "Hafa adai. Na'an-mu si Pedro Blas." Guam's native tongue threads through the life of the 21-year-old singer-songwriter and student. It was spoken around him growing, mostly by his father andMore >>

In CHamoru, a young island resident proudly introduces himself. "Hafa adai. Na'an-mu si Pedro Blas." Guam's native tongue threads through the life of the 21-year-old singer-songwriter and student. It was spoken around him growing, mostly by his father andMore >>

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A sendoff ceremony was held today for the 35 Guam National Guard airmen set to deploy in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve later this month. Members of the 254th Air Base group, the 254 Security Force Squadron and the 25More >>

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A cup of joe with the officers of the Guam police department. More than a handful of GPD officers started their hump day morning at the Wendy's in Upper Tumon for the latest Coffee with a Cop program. The community outreach event allows our local officersMore >>

Tamuning Elementary School is placed on a brief lockdown after a threat is made Wednesday afternoon. Guam Department of Education spokesperson Isa Baza says the lockdown started around 2:20pm after a staff member received the threat. Details, however, havMore >>

Tamuning Elementary School is placed on a brief lockdown after a threat is made Wednesday afternoon. Guam Department of Education spokesperson Isa Baza says the lockdown started around 2:20pm after a staff member received the threat. Details, however, havMore >>

He made repeated calls to police before he was placed under arrest. Jovencio Romo Camacho, 29, was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance and making a false report. Court documents state he called police about baMore >>

He made repeated calls to police before he was placed under arrest. Jovencio Romo Camacho, 29, was arrested and charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance and making a false report. Court documents state he called police about baMore >>

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He apparently had a verbal contract with a teen girl known to him. Court documents state the 14-year-old told police that she could avoid being grounded and get something she wants if she submitted to sexual intercourse with Gerard Quenga Pangelinan. The More >>

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Joining the ranks of hundreds of other local businesses and organizations. Several shops took the Hafa Adai pledge today during a ceremony Tumon. The owners of Halia and Jade, Suprim Denache, Coconut Tree Company, and Café de Sirena.More >>

Joining the ranks of hundreds of other local businesses and organizations. Several shops took the Hafa Adai pledge today during a ceremony in Tumon. The owners of Halia and Jade, Suprim Denache, Coconut Tree Company, and Café de Sirena.More >>

An incident took place at Pay-Less involving fake checks. Court documents state 31-year-old Gerard DeGuzman Belga allegedly cashed a fake check at the store's Yigo location over the weekend. Staff didn't realize it was a counterfeit - evidenced by how "huMore >>

An incident took place at Pay-Less involving fake checks. Court documents state 31-year-old Gerard DeGuzman Belga allegedly cashed a fake check at the store's Yigo location over the weekend. Staff didn't realize it was a counterfeit - evidenced by how "huMore >>

The last meeting of the Commission on Decolonization took place today with the Governor thanking members for their service. While some members tendered their courtesy resignations because of the incoming administration, the respective status option task fMore >>

The last meeting of the Commission on Decolonization took place today with the Governor thanking members for their service. While some members tendered their courtesy resignations because of the incoming administration, the respective status option task fMore >>